During the month of Elul, as individuals, we apply candor and self awareness to the gap between our values and our behavior in preparation for the Days of Awe. Now we are engaged in the season of counting the Omer, the bridge of 7 weeks between Passover and Shavuot during which we have stood together […]
Patriotism & Heritage: The Jewish American Story BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS TO CONSIDER – STORIES MAKING NEWS Enduring Contributions and Heritage From even before the U.S. gained independence, Jews have been woven into the fabric of American life, contributing their energy, intellect and spirit to the building of the American Dream. Founded in […]
The election for the 2025 World Zionist Congress has been a significant success for our 3 slates, representing the majority of liberal Jewry in the U.S. It was also a success for furthering our values of pluralism, equality, justice, and democracy. During a time when Zionism as a concept is more controversial for some in […]
Many Holocaust survivors who established families in Israel describe themselves as victors; for victory seems to be a matter of consciousness, at least as much as it is a military achievement. The root of the Hebrew word for victory (nitzachon) is eternity (netzach), as if victory were the act of being eternal. The prophecies of […]
Echoes of Loss, Voices of Hope: Israel’s Memorial and Independence Days BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS TO CONSIDER – STORIES MAKING NEWS Hostages Want Freedom from Hamas Captors: ‘Omri is a survivor in captivity’ Sirens blare nationwide every year on Israel’s Memorial Day – heralding a moment of silence to honor the Israelis who […]
We are now marking Yom Ha-shoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, and soon we will bless the new month of ’Iyyar, which includes Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror — both of them days replete with pain and collective trauma. For years I have experienced discomfort regarding the way in which these days […]
Bearing Witness: Death Camp Liberators and Holocaust Survivors BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – VOICES – STORIES World War II will be remembered in infamy for countless reasons – the most horrific being the systematic extermination of 6 million Jews during the Holocaust. As many around the world observe Yom HaShoah – Israel’s solemn […]
… And why you should Vote MERCAZ in the World Zionist Congress election. by Rabbi Eric Leiderman, a Chicago-based educator and community builder. He is a dedicated advocate for vibrant, inclusive Jewish life, working to inspire the next generation through education, activism, and leadership. Rabbi Leiderman serves as Secretary for MERCAZ USA and is a […]
This Passover, channel the resilience of the Israelites and vote NOW for MERCAZ USA (Slate 17). The 2025 World Zionist Congress elections are well underway, and the stakes could not be higher. To ensure the voice of Conservative/Masorti Judaism is heard, vote MERCAZ USA (Slate 17) before May 4th. Just as the Israelites’ constant hope […]
From Pharaoh to Present: How an Ancient Hatred of Jews Has Rippled Through History BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – STORIES From the back-breaking whips of ancient Egyptian overlords to modern-day vandalism, violence and murder, the Jewish people have long been targets of scapegoating and hatred. Today’s blood libels, hateful rhetoric and distorted portrayals of […]